Ukraine Research Trip Notes: Fall 2024, Part 2
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Release Date: 11/14/2024
Frontline Insights from Ukraine: Summer 2025, Part 1
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Michael Kofman and Rob Lee offer an on-the-ground assessment of the Russo-Ukrainian War based on their latest field study. They explore the state of Ukrainian defenses and Russian offensive tactics, the increasing prominence of drone use, and the changing nature of the front since their last visit in February. Image:
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A Historian’s Perspective on Today’s Russo-Ukrainian War, Part 2
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Stephen Kotkin and Michael Kofman continue their conversation on the Russo-Ukrainian War. In this episode, they examine the direction of U.S. policy toward Ukraine, what the future might hold, and explore how Russia’s long history helps make sense of its wartime choices today. Image:
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A Historian’s Perspective on Today’s Russo-Ukrainian War, Part 1
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Stephen Kotkin joins Michael Kofman to assess the state of the Russo-Ukrainian War halfway through 2025. What has more than three years of resistance taught us about Ukraine’s will — and Russia’s limits? Why has Vladimir Putin rejected an armistice even when offered on favorable terms? And what if the war ends with no real winner — only exhaustion? The two discuss the historical context, the risk of prolonged conflict, and the potential long-term impacts on both nations. Image:
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Airpower in Practice: Lessons from Israel and Russia, Part 1
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Why has Israel been able to succeed in the air where Russia has struggled? In Part 1 of this episode, Mike Kofman sits down with Justin Bronk and Guy Plopsky to break down Israel’s recent air campaign against Iran, how it overcame air defenses, and what that reveals about the failures and limits of Russian airpower in Ukraine. Image: via Wikimedia Commons
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Unpacking Ukraine’s Audacious Drone Raid
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Mike, Rob Lee, and Dara Massicot break down Ukraine’s bold drone strike against Russia’s long-range aviation assets. They examine how the operation unfolded, its impact, and what it signals for the future direction of the war. Image:
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An Estonian Perspective on the Current and Future Russian Threat
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
On this special episode of the Russia Contingency, Michael Kofman sat down with Ants Kiviselg, the head of Estonian military intelligence, on the sidelines of the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, Estonia. They discuss the current state of the Russo-Ukrainian War and Estonian perspectives on Russian aggression and Baltic regional security. They also cover Russian military vulnerabilities, reconstitution, and its future military capabilities. Image: U.S. Army via
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Assessing the Russian Economy in 2025, Part 2
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Michael Kofman, Alexandra Prokopenko, and Richard Connolly continue their conversation on the state of the Russian economy in 2025. In particular, they cover debates about whether Russia is on the verge of a financial crisis, the potential impact of further sanctions on the Russian economy, and expectations for the rest of 2025. Image: Office of the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation via
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Mass, Maneuver, and Modern Warfare: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Fight, Part 2
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Shashank Joshi and Michael Kofman continue their conversation about the lessons to be drawn from Ukraine. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the utility of AI in weapons systems, long-range strike, the defense investments Europe needs to make, the nuclear question, and recommended reading.
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Mass, Maneuver, and Modern Warfare: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Fight, Part 1
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
Shashank Joshi, defense editor at the Economist, swaps seats with Mike to interview him about his broad takeaways from the Russo-Ukrainian War. They discuss the true implications of the ‘revolutionary’ technology developed throughout the war, the right to maneuver, precision mass, the strength of the Russian military, and the uncomfortable reality of an attrition war for the West.
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Tech, Tactics, and Innovation at the Front, Part 2
The Russia Contingency with Michael Kofman
On this episode of the Russia Contingency, Michael Kofman and Rob Lee continue their discussion on the latest technological adaptations and innovations in Ukraine, particularly the rapid innovation of both unmanned air and ground vehicles and how they compensate for Ukraine’s manpower issues. They also underscore the challenges of feedback loops and how both state and non-state actors alike can draw lessons from this war to prepare for future conflicts.
info_outlineIn part 2 of this two-part episode, Mike sits down with Rob Lee and Dara Massicot fresh off their trip to Ukraine to discuss what they saw, what they learned, and how their views of the conflict have changed.